Yemen
Yemen, officially the Republic
of Yemen, re-unified on the 22nd of May,1990 (one of the most important Yemeni
National Days). Before the unification, Yemen had been divided into two parts,
North Yemen and South Yemen. The Republic of Yemen is a democratic country. The
people of Yemen are the possessors and the source of legitimacy and power, which
they execute directly through referendum and elections. It is a constitutional
State; its governmental system is founded on the basis of the pluralism with
three powers, judicial, legislative and executive.
Where history comes alive…
Yemen is like a page from the historical past. Long-forgotten childhood
dreams seem to come alive as you visit the intriguing landscape. The country
boasts more than 3000 years of history, representing the old kingdoms of Saba,
Hymiarite, and others referred to in the Bible.
The old city of Sana'a makes you feel as if you were re-living the story of
1001 Arabian Nights ……. through the majestic old palaces you can almost reach
out and virtually touch history. Popular too, are the unique fortified mountain
villages of Thula, Kawkaban, Shibam, Manakha , Wadi Dahr, Taiz, Jibla, Hajarah
and Sa'ada.
Unique architecture, unspoiled nature, the mountains, desert, green valley
and beautiful beaches are attractions that you cannot afford to miss out.
The people of Yemen are friendly, full of dignity, and have strong bonds with
their old traditions. A few words of Arabic will earn you a big smile. The
Yemenis’ way of life reflects untarnished tradition and hospitality that knows
no bounds. The houses are like bewitched fairy tale castles. The air carries the
scent of spices. Women wearing red and silver dresses and embroidered wide
breeches are seen baking bread and the men's watches appear to be timeless –
life does not end with the setting sun.
SANA'A is the city built in BC200. It was more like a fortress designed to
prevent occupation in the kingdom of Saba. In the transparent air at 2,000m
altitude, Sana'a seems to be an inconsistent mirage of clay houses, with
multicolor glasses, white cupolas and minarets. The muezzin's voice mingles with
the uproar of the motor-horns. Not surprisingly, UNESCO has proclaimed Sana'a as
heritage of Mankind.
MARIB is a mystical city. The route to Marib, across the village of Barakesh,
the capital of the Minea kingdom is where you begin to see the sands of the
desert. You are sure to be enchanted by the view of the ruins of Marib, the
mystical town of the Queen of Saba, who the Holy Bible speaks of, but remained
forgotten until 1843.
TAIZ VIA JIBLLA /IBB
The road across the central plateau of Yemen is rich in culture and exotic
vegetation. You will see villages of unbelievable and unusual beauty, wild
spaces… isolated villages... Ibb is a jewel of Yemeni mountain architecture -
housed on the top of a mountain rock.
TAIZ / HODEIDAH
Hodeidah can be reached via al Khokha, a pretty beach on the Red Sea. You move
then to Zabid, the old capital of the Islamic culture with her old university
where Algebra was invented. You continue your travel and reach Bait al Faqit.
Hodeidah, a historic yet modern town and important port of Yemen is rather a
special venue.
HODEIDAH / MANAKHA / HAJJARAH / SANA'A
Visit to the fish market and tour of the city allows you to admire the typical
architecture of 19th century. You continue in the direction of the mountains
where the coffee, famous as Moka, is cultivated. Moka is the name of the town on
the Red Sea where the coffee used to be shipped. The capital of the region is
Manakha, a beautiful example of fortified town, lying in strategic position on
the route which connects Sana'a to Hodeidah. The classical Yemeni landscape can
be seen also in the next two villages: Al Hajjarah and Hoteib, with their famous
tower-houses. It reflects a beautiful blend of natural environment and human
effort.
SANA'A
/ THULA / SHIBAM / KAWKABAN
The village is a wonderful example of architectural perfection amidst steep
precipices and green valleys. The beautiful Thula represents the harmonious
connection between architecture and natural environment of a village at 2700m
altitude; Kawkaban and its old steep stairway; Shibam and the mosques seem to
cast a spell of everlasting charm.
for more information:
www.yemen.gov.ye
